Michael Phillips, Head of Communications

Michael Phillips has redefined the role of communications from PR execution to reputational leadership, driving HMN’s transformation from an agency struggling for recognition in 2022 to one of the most respected and commercially successful media businesses in 2025. His philosophy, shifting from reputational management to reputational leadership, underpins a strategy that prioritises long-term narratives, thought leadership and commercial outcomes over vanity metrics. Under his leadership, HMN has gone from back of the pack to pole position as a media agency in the marketing industry. His strategy supported record commercial growth while halving churn and boosting client satisfaction to record levels. Michael also champions communications as a force for good, particularly driving a number of impactful DEI initiatives. Michael exemplifies how a comms leader can deliver business transformation while embedding purpose and equity at the heart of reputation strategy.